Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Hey Guys,

Not much detail in the plans for flap return springs on folding wings. I have to assume it takes one for each, that makes 4. Kinda hard on the mechanism I suppose, so do you suppose going a little lighter on the spring rate? got a nice fit with the wings, but so far I haven't folded mine with flaps attached. I suppose it doesn't affect making them 'mesh' together, except you have farther to reach over.

Appreciate your thoughts.
Les Krumel, Albuquerque

I would stay with the (4) springs . (2) might reduce the retract rate ? I used (4) . Some folks install the inboard flap spring inside the fus . and attached it under the seat .

RB

I used four in the wing joint area. Keeps the space under the seats cleaner in the event you want to put stuff under there. I keep extra oil and cleaning supplies there. The individual springs on each flap make it better when you take the outer wing panels off. The flaps don't "flap" around when separated.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Bob: Good point about flapping around . I hadn't thought about that aspect as I trailer . My (4) are in the wing joint area . Yep...I keep a lot lot stuff under the seats ! ELT , tool kit , a few spare parts (couple of plugs , nuts/bolts , zip ties , safety wire , etc. ) , first aid/survival kit , tie down ratchet straps , oil and possibly a dead body ! Could be Hoffa , but it has been a while since I looked ! BOOM !

RB

Thanks guys,

Yeah, there's too much flappin goin on in the world. I'll go with 4, but there's also wiring and fuel lines to deal with in the gap too. I'll make it work. Posted new pictures on the gallery yesterday. Making progress...

Les.

I put PVC tubes down the trailing edgesjust ahead of the rear spar wing joints. Made AMP connectors for the strobe and nav light wires. Fuel lines and fuel low level wires join in the gap ahead of the main spar. Pitot and static lines join there, too. My fuel pumps are in the stub wings and do not come off with the wing.

_________________
Bob Highley
N711SH
SN 835
KLAL

Did just about the same thing , except I used a thin wall aluminun tube vs. pvc . Wires (strobe , Nsav and landing lite ) at the joint use the Deutsch connectors and the pitot line uses a quick disconnect . I was able to flare the aluminum tube to eliminate the sharp edge ! BOOM !

RB